The VMGCRA has provided displays of the Vickers MG in a historical context independently and as part of a wider group of individuals or associations. This page shows some of the photos and explains some of the context of the displays. Few of the photos are the property of the VMGCRA and where they are sourced from elsewhere, the link is shown below the photo to the original source and where, often, you can find more of the photos of the show. If a link is not shown, it means the original source cannot be located – if this is your photo, please contact using the link on the contents page.
Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire, UK (September, 2016)
Working the with ‘Les Parachutistes’ group, this display focussed on the use of the Vickers Gas-Operated No 1 Mk I by the Special Air Service, mounted on their jeeps. They were normally mounted in pairs on the bonnet and in the rear, with a further single gun mounted on the driver’s wing. This enabled the jeep to use up to 500 rounds per minute for anti-ambush or ambush tactics. The guns are shown here fixed on the twin bonnet mount but not yet fitted to the jeep. This is how they were dropped in panniers to be fitted once on the group. It ensured that all the components wouldn’t be broken on impact. Magazines were stored in old biscuit tins.
The display was based upon a 1st SAS encampment in Northern France where they could often contain many dozens of soldiers, French resistance fighters and French civilians, as well as other special forces or espionage officers.
Sources
- All photos are to be credited to the VMGCRA unless otherwise stated.
